The Toronto Maple Leafs will likely be without their starting goaltender as they face elimination for the first time this season.
Head coach Craig Berube informed reporters that Anthony Stolarz is doubtful to travel with the team to Florida for Game 6.
Stolarz, who was injured and left Game 1, skated on Thursday, marking his second time on the ice since sustaining the injury.
The 31-year-old sustained the injury and exited the opening game of the series after receiving an elbow to the head from Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett.
The hit from his former Panthers teammate occurred after Stolarz had already been struck in the mask by a shot earlier in that game.
Shortly after the hit by Bennett, Stolarz went to the locker room – notably, after vomiting into the Maple Leafs` bench – and was later taken to a local hospital for assessment.
Joseph Woll has taken over as the starting goalie in Stolarz`s absence, recording an .877 save percentage and a 4.02 goals-against average over five appearances.
The Maple Leafs are currently trailing the Panthers 3-2 in their second-round series. Game 6 is set for Friday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
Tristan Blackwood